I've also posted about cold sores in the herbal health forum but this is more specifically related to pregnancy and new borns.
Firstly I've never had a cold sore. I've always assumed I got lucky to never contract it as a child or perhaps just immune.
My DP first contracted his as an adult a few years before I met him. He gets a run of them (2 or 3 weeks) every six months. He has found they reduced in frequency with a healthier lifestyle, eating well, exercise and giving up smoking a few years ago. However he does still get them (I think during periods of stress) and he has one now, I'm
35 weeks pregnant.
I have a few questions:
- What is the real likelihood of me catching them while pregnant? I understand my immunity is lower than usual. I've always been fairly relaxed about kissing him when he has a cold sore, and must admit I've not totally avoided this time. But have just read on the NHS site that you shouldn't kiss a pregnant woman when you have a cold sore as they are more vulnerable than usual. Shit!!!! So obviously I shall avoid it totally now!!
- If I have caught it can I pass it to my unborn baby via the uterus????
- Once the baby is born what should my DP do if he still has a cold sore? The NHS just says to avoid kissing a new born baby, but other sites are more cautious. From washing hands before touching baby every time to wearing a surgical mask around the baby!!! Is this really necessary??
- A few people on the general health forum have recommended getting anti viral tablets to cover DP for the 1st 6 months. DP has asked about these before but was told they only prescribe them in extreme cases as they are very expensive. Is this an extreme case, as in preventing a baby from catching them?? Because the virus is so common, lots of dads must have them. I will suggest he goes back to the GP but I think he feels like it's a waste of time, they always tell him there's nothing he can do.
I will phone my GP and midwife tomorrow (separate surgery to my DP's) and see what they advise. I'm not sure whether I'm over thinking this or whether this is something serious. The info on the NHS website is brief. All the other websites are pretty scary, including a daily mail article about a baby dying because his mum (who caught the virus for the first time while pregnant) passed it onto him
Any advice would be great, thank you.